One of the main strengths of Osteopathy is the unique way in which you'll be assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint.

This means that any treatment you receive from our male or female osteopaths here at our York osteopathic practice will be tailor-made to suit you, as an individual.

A variety of techniques are used, including gentle soft tissue massage, joint and muscle stretching, rhythmic mobilisations of joints, acupuncture and spinal manipulation, where an audible “click” may be heard.

Generally, osteopathic treatment is comfortable and causes little discomfort. Treatment may also include nutritional advice and exercises for you to perform at home to aid your recovery.

Also on offer at our York clinic is Acupuncture

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the largest postural change that a woman will undergo during her life and, as a result, can put the body under large amounts of pressure and strain. Commonly reported symptoms during pregnancy such as back pain, pelvic pain and morning sickness are ideally suited to osteopathic treatment and can often be significantly improved, or cleared completely.

Many women regard back pain in pregnancy as an inevitable consequence of the enlarging bump and changing maternal posture, but gentle treatment, advice about exercise and tips on using your body correctly, can be of huge benefit.

SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction), which is now known as PGP (pelvic girdle pain) is one of the conditions treated by osteopaths that can be very debilitating during pregnancy. It classically presents as pain in the pelvic bones at the front and back of the pelvis, sometimes without any associated back pain, and tends to be aggravated by movement. It is due the pregnancy hormones causing a loosening of the ligaments around the back and pelvic girdle. Treatment through the pregnancy can be very helpful to reduce pain, increase mobility and give you back confidence in your changing body's shape and allow you to enjoy this special time (see testimonial)

Osteopathy can also be helpful in preparing the mother’s body for labour, by ensuring that the pelvic girdle is structurally balanced to allow passage of the baby down the birth canal. After giving birth, the body has to recover from the changes during pregnancy and the physical effects of the delivery, while the new mother is learning how to feed her baby, lift the baby in and out of the cot and many other activities which can place undue stresses and strains on the body.

Jacqui has recently undergone further osteopathic training specialising in the treatment of pregnant women during childbearing years.

Book an appointment today to:

Reduce back and pelvic pain

Improve morning sickness with acupuncture

Stop the pain of SPD / PGP

Educate your body

Exercise your mind

Prepare yourself for pregnancy

Enjoy your pregnancy/be as healthy as possible

Acupuncture

Our acupuncturists have undergone training with the British Medical Acupuncture Society and offer medical acupuncture, or “dry needling” in combination with osteopathy.

Acupuncture has been used for hundreds of years as a method of relieving pain and curing disease, but until recently we have known little about the way in which it works and how it reduces pain.

Advances in modern medicine have now allowed us to understand the mechanism of action, and provide evidence for the effectiveness of treatment. Studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce pain by altering the way in which neurones in the brain respond to a painful stimulus. CAT scans of brain activity during an acupuncture treatment have shown that the areas of the brain involved in pain recognition are actually reduced.

We also have evidence to show that acupuncture reduces inflammation in the body and promotes healing, by stimulating the body’s own anti-inflammatory response. Hospitals are using acupuncture to promote wound-healing, reduce nausea and sickness after an operation, and even to help control pain during labour.

So, what can acupuncture do for me?

It is helpful in reducing pain and swelling in arthritic joints

It is effective in the treatment of headache and migraine

It provides quick relief from tense/taut muscles and muscle spasm

It is widely used for treating sports injuries such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendonitis

It can help to reduce morning sickness in the early stages of pregnancy

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture is a gentle form of treatment and generally causes little discomfort. Some people experience a very brief sharpness as the needle enters the skin (as if you had pricked your finger with a pin), but many people are not aware of any sensation at all. It is fairly common to have an awareness of the needle in place, with a mild dull ache sensation.

All needles used are sterile, disposable needles, so there is no risk of infection. If you regularly give blood, just ask for a certificate to show that your acupuncturist is properly trained and registered, and uses acupuncture in a safe, medical environment.